Thyroid issues are becoming increasingly common these days, affecting more than 20 million Americans. Hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone, is the most common thyroid disorder. However, there are many other thyroid-related conditions that are often misdiagnosed or overlooked by conventional medicine.
This is where Functional Medicine comes in. This type of medicine focuses on finding the root cause of health problems, rather than just treating the symptoms. In this blog post, we will explore how Functional Medicine doctors can help patients figure out what is really going on with their thyroid, and what kinds of conditions they look for.
Hashimoto’s
Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune condition that attacks the thyroid gland. Many people with Hashimoto’s are often misdiagnosed with hypothyroidism, since the early stages of the condition often don’t show up in conventional blood tests. Functional Medicine doctors know to look for Hashimoto’s when patients show signs of hypothyroidism, even if their lab results are normal. They will run additional tests to check for antibodies that can signal an autoimmune condition.
Conversion Issues
Sometimes, even when the thyroid gland is functioning properly, the body is not converting thyroid hormone properly. This can happen due to nutritional deficiencies or other imbalances in the body. Functional Medicine doctors are trained to identify these kinds of issues, and will often recommend additional testing to rule out conversion problems.
Hypopituitary
The pituitary gland plays a crucial role in regulating thyroid function. If the pituitary doesn’t communicate properly with the thyroid gland, hypothyroid symptoms can occur even if the thyroid gland is healthy. Functional Medicine doctors will look for signs of hypopituitarism when patients present with hypothyroid symptoms, and will use specialized testing to identify any issues with pituitary function.
Food Sensitivities and Nutrient Deficiencies
Nutrient deficiencies and food sensitivities can often mimic hypothyroid symptoms. A Functional Medicine doctor will examine a patient’s diet and run tests to identify any nutrient deficiencies. They may also recommend an elimination diet to identify food sensitivities that could be contributing to symptoms.
If you’re struggling with thyroid issues, know that there are options beyond traditional medication. Functional Medicine doctors can help you find the root cause of your symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs. By working together, you can identify and treat the underlying issues causing your symptoms, rather than just managing them. So if you’re feeling confused or frustrated about your thyroid health, don’t give up hope – Functional Medicine could be just what you need to finally find relief.